FeatureLayer vs MapImageLayer

This guide helps you understand the two types of map layers in Vite Horizon and choose the right one for your needs.

What Are These Layer Types?

FeatureLayer downloads map data to your computer so you can work with it directly—edit, analyze, and interact with features instantly because everything is stored locally.

MapImageLayer displays a live picture from the server. The server does the rendering work and sends you the image. When you click something, it asks the server "what's here?"

Think of FeatureLayer as having all your tools at hand, while MapImageLayer is like viewing a high-quality reference book.

---

Key Functional Differences

Selection Behavior

• FeatureLayer: Can select boundaries to identify the correct overlapping feature
• MapImageLayer: Uses circle mode to select the correct overlapping feature

Print Quality

• FeatureLayer: Line symbology and labels may not display correctly
• MapImageLayer: Line symbology and labels always print correctly

Data Interaction

• FeatureLayer: Direct access to all feature attributes and geometry
• MapImageLayer: Must query server for feature information

Snapping

• FeatureLayer: Snapping tool works
• MapImageLayer: Snapping tool not available

---

Quick Decision Guide

How to switch between layer types:

1. Open System Panel
2. Choose "Default," "Always FeatureLayer," or "Always MapImageLayer"
3. Your preference will be stored for future sessions until you change it again
4. Clearing the browser cache will reset it to "Default"

Choose FeatureLayer When You:

• Work with smaller datasets
• Need instant results when clicking features
• Perform detailed analysis work

Choose MapImageLayer When You:

• Display very large datasets
• Primarily view and reference data without editing
• Have a slower internet connection
• Work with data that rarely changes
• Want better print quality for lines and labels

Stick with "Default" Setting If:

• You're not sure which to use
• You want to respect the original data design
• You work with a mix of small and large datasets

---

Performance Comparison

Task	FeatureLayer	MapImageLayer	Winner
Initial loading	⚡ Quick start	🐌 Takes longer	FeatureLayer
Large datasets	🐌 Gets slow	⚡ Stays fast	MapImageLayer
Selecting features	⚡ Super fast	🐌 Waits for server	FeatureLayer
Data usage	📈 Uses more	📉 Uses less	MapImageLayer
Zooming/panning	⚠️ Depends on dataset	⚡ Smooth	MapImageLayer
Printing maps	⚠️ Label/line issues	✅ Always correct	MapImageLayer

---

Tool Compatibility

Editor Tools

Tool	FeatureLayer	MapImageLayer	Notes
Map Editor	✅ Full support	⚠️ Limited	Snapping only works with FeatureLayer
Advanced Editor	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Both supported
Forest Practices Plan Editor	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Both supported
Prescribed Burn Editor	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Both supported
Sketch Tools	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Both supported
Logr Editor	✅ Yes	❌ No	Only uses preset FeatureLayer
Wildfire Editor	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Both supported

Analysis Tools

Tool	FeatureLayer	MapImageLayer	Notes
Area Summary	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Both supported
Filter Data	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Both supported
Change Styles	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Both supported
Feature Table	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Both supported
Viewshed Analysis	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Both supported
Yield Analysis	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Both supported

System Tools

Tool	FeatureLayer	MapImageLayer	Notes
Add Layers	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Both supported
Bookmarks	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Both preserved correctly
My Layers	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Creates FeatureLayers by default
Popups	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Unified handling for both